Common Driving Test Faults
Learn to drive with confidence
Friendly & Patient in Manual and Automatic dual-controlled cars. Tailored lessons for beginners, intensive courses and nervous drivers
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rated 5/5 On Google by local learners
DVSA-Approved Driving Instructor
Why Learners Fail Driving Tests
If you’re preparing for your driving test, it’s natural to feel nervous. The good news is that most people fail for the same reasons — and they’re usually easy to fix with the right practice. By knowing the common driving test faults in the UK, you can prepare properly and avoid simple mistakes on the big day.
Top Reasons People Fail Driving Test
1. Poor Observation at Junctions
One of the biggest reasons for test failure is not looking properly at junctions. This could be:
- Pulling out without checking both ways
- Misjudging the speed of approaching vehicles
- Not noticing pedestrians or cyclists
👉 How to avoid it: Take your time. Always look in all directions before emerging, and only go when it’s 100% safe.
2. Not Using Mirrors Correctly
Learners often forget to check mirrors before signalling, changing lanes, or slowing down. Sometimes, they look but don’t act on what they see.
👉 How to avoid it: Remember “mirror, signal, manoeuvre” for every change in speed or direction. Make your checks clear and obvious.
3. Incorrect Road Positioning
Examples include drifting too close to the kerb, cutting corners, or being in the wrong lane at roundabouts.
👉 How to avoid it: Stay aware of road markings, and practise lane discipline. Position your car early for turns and roundabouts.
4. Problems at Roundabouts
Roundabouts are a tricky spot for many learners. Common faults include:
- Hesitating too long and causing a hold-up
- Entering unsafely
- Picking the wrong lane
👉 How to avoid it: Practise roundabouts with your instructor. Learn to judge gaps confidently and follow the correct lane for your route.
5. Traffic Light Mistakes
Faults include stopping too late, creeping past the stop line, or moving before the light changes.
👉 How to avoid it: Approach lights at a controlled speed, anticipate changes, and always stop behind the line.
6. Moving Off Unsafely
Stalling, rolling backwards on a hill, or forgetting blind-spot checks can all lead to minors — or majors.
👉 How to avoid it: Practise clutch control and hill starts. Always check mirrors and blind spots before moving off.
Driving Test Minors and Majors
Understanding the difference is key:
- Minor faults (driver faults): Small mistakes that don’t cause danger, like missing a mirror check once. You can get up to 15 minors and still pass.
- Major faults (serious or dangerous): Mistakes that cause or risk danger, like pulling out into oncoming traffic. Just one major means you fail.
👉 Tip: Don’t panic if you make a minor mistake — stay focused, as you may still pass.
How to Avoid Test Mistakes
- Take a mock test with your instructor to get used to exam conditions.
- Practise common fault areas: junctions, mirrors, roundabouts, and moving off.
- Stay calm — nerves are often the reason learners make avoidable mistakes.
- Listen carefully to examiner instructions, and ask them to repeat if you’re unsure.
Driving Test Faults FAQs
Q: What are the most common driving test faults in the UK?
A: The most common faults include poor observation at junctions, not checking mirrors properly, incorrect road positioning, hesitation or unsafe entry at roundabouts, and moving off without proper checks.
Q: How many minors can I get on my driving test?
A: You can get up to 15 minor faults and still pass, as long as they don’t add up to unsafe driving.
Q: What counts as a major fault on the driving test?
A: A major fault (serious or dangerous) is a mistake that either creates a dangerous situation or could potentially do so. Just one major fault will result in a fail.
Q: Do most people fail their first driving test?
A: Many learners don’t pass on their first attempt, often because of common mistakes like poor observation or nerves. Preparation and practice help improve your chances.
Q: How can I avoid failing my driving test?
A: Take plenty of practice, focus on observation and mirror use, do a mock test, and stay calm on the day. Learning the top reasons people fail driving tests can also help you avoid them.
Final Thought
Most learners fail their test because of a handful of common driving test faults. By understanding these mistakes and practising the right techniques, you’ll give yourself the best chance of passing first time.
👉 Nervous about your test? Book a lesson today and let’s work on avoiding those common faults together.
